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Looking back on our lives, sometimes we wonder about the roads we travelled. One of my all-time favorite poems is "The Road Not Taken" by Robert Frost. |
Life's October
The Springtime days of life are filled with fun and derring do;
our spirits seem invulnerable and everything is new.
We climb the daunting mountains tall and new adventures woo;
no matter where our footsteps fall the sky is jewelled blue.
We gambol headstrong into summer, laughing all the way;
our psyches soar to worlds unknown, our hearts are young and gay.
We choose the paths we wish to trod, and games we want to play.
So as September ambles on, our edges start to gently fray.
October blazes on the scene with colors warm and deep;
at times the weight of sadness is enough to make us weep.
The days are long and lazy, and the memories are sweet.
So live your life with empathy, for what we sow, we reap.
© Joyce P. Hale 09/04
ALMOST
I almost left the other day, almost, nearly went away;
came very close to leaving home - all by myself, begone alone.
I almost turned my back on care, to take the road I nearly dare.
Almost - not quite all the way; but what will I do another day?
Another day when my heart is low and my mind keeps telling me to go;
a day when endless work piles high; things I don't have money to buy;
The thankless cleaning after those who strew each way their goods and clothes.
What will I do if Fate catches me on a day like that, and whispers "Flee!"
What would I take if I have fled away from this life I've always led?
Pictures, my poems, the clothes on my back. I'd only need a little sack.
Lots of memories in my mind, and a wish that God be Oh so kind
to those I left in back of me.......let them not too bitter be.
What holds me here when thoughts unbidden beckon to desires hidden?
A little boy with hair of white; another boy who holds me tight;
a girl who needs my helping hand even though she doesn't understand;
My family, and they love me so.....the ties that bind me won't let go.
And so I say - I "almost" left, I "nearly" went one day --
Almost isn't good enough - and nearly isn't all the way.
I ask myself a question, though, sometime when I am low......
Does it take more strength to stay....or does it take more strength to go???
© Joyce P. Hale
And sometime later, I answered my own question.............
LOOKING BACK
I asked myself a question....seems I asked it long ago......
Does it take more strength to stay, or does it take more strength to go?
I still don't have an answer, for each person must decide
what pathway they must take themselves, and by that way abide.
What takes more strength for one to stay, may someone else destroy;
A love that causes one distress may bring another joy.
We cannot judge a person's actions by our own, you see.
If we are led by love and conscience, then our hearts will set us free.
© Joyce P. Hale
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And don't we
each of us at some time feel like the following......
FARAWAY LOOK
I go my way and do my chores,
polish tables, sweep the floors;
but all this work is just disguise....
that faraway look is in my eyes.
I drive the car and shop for food,
and garden when I'm in the mood.
I try to keep the children neat....
while all the time I've itchy feet.
I'm longing to let go my load,
get in the car, go down the road -
To look at things I've never seen,
go to places I've never been.
Go off alone, without a care;
go off alone to anywhere.
The wailing of a passing train
can make my heart run down the lane.
The sunshine bright, the wandering breeze
start me on my fantasies.
But even though my life is bound,
my heart soars high above the ground!
© Joyce P. Hale
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A hot summer day with the air stone-still; |
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